Foreign Minister Tuomioja: Responding to security threats through international cooperation
Press release 269/2011
17 October 2011
Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja regards that the climate of opinion relating to international affairs has become harsher in Finland and in Europe. Analytical debate is needed about the benefits of European integration and international cooperation.
Speaking at a conference organised by the Atlantic Council of Finland and the Embassy of Poland in Helsinki on Monday 18 October, Foreign Minister Tuomioja saw a strong link between Finland’s security and finding solutions to wider international security challenges. “The effects of security threats have become more and more wide-ranging, for which reason it is impossible to isolate oneself from them. Only effective cooperation will bring lasting security,” Tuomioja pointed out.
The fact that high growth in the world accumulates in certain areas, especially Asia, has its impact on the world political development. According to Tuomioja, this development underlines the importance of supporting and strengthening the UN-led multilateral system also from the point of view of Finland, seeking Security Council membership for the period of 2013-2014.
Tuomioja emphasised the meaning of the European Union as a fundamental security policy choice for Finland. At the same time, he also expressed some criticism and made proposals for enhancing the EU activities.
As makers of European security, Tuomioja mentioned also the OSCE, Council of Europe and NATO. Tuomioja considered the cooperation between Finland and NATO to function very well.
Further information: Susanna Parkkonen, Press Attaché for the Foreign Minister, tel. +358 50 377 5601